OPT Technical Director Jobs
Technical Director jobs on OPT are available across film, gaming, software, and engineering industries. Most roles require STEM OPT eligibility, giving you a 24-month extension beyond your initial 12 months. Employers in this space regularly sponsor H-1B visas, making this a strong long-term career path in the U.S.
See All OPT Technical Director JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 38+ Technical Director jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 38+ Technical Director Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Technical Director roles.
Get Access To All JobsPosition Title: Technical Director / Scenic Carpenter
FLSA Classification: EX
Reports to: Director of Theater Operations and Production
Salary Range: F
Weeks Per Year: 52
Work Week: Monday - Friday with some nights and weekends
Position Summary
Responsible for coordinating, implementing, and overseeing all scenic and technical aspects of theatrical productions and performances across all divisions within The Hartt School. Plays a critical, hands-on role in scenic construction while supporting the artistic vision of designers and directors through high standards of craftsmanship, organization, and safety. Successfully executes these duties in direct support of student education, production excellence, and the operational needs of The Hartt School. Performs all duties in full support of the University’s mission, understanding that the positive effective execution of these duties is instrumental to the education of the University students.
Hiring Range: Budgeted Salary is $50,455 to $68,000 per year
Key Responsibilities
Production and Scenic Construction:
- Collaborates closely with designers, directors, scenic artists, and production staff to interpret design concepts and provide technical and artistic solutions using industry best practices.
- Interprets design drawings, specifications, and renderings to determine construction methods, materials, labor needs, and technical requirements.
- Constructs, installs, maintains, and repairs scenery for productions using woodworking, metalworking, and other theatrical construction techniques; assists with strikes.
- Applies scenic finishes, textures, and treatments as required to meet artistic intent.
- Attends production meetings, load-ins, technical rehearsals, and performances to address technical challenges and ensure successful execution of scenic elements.
- Ensures all scenic elements are structurally sound, safe for performers and technicians, and compliant with design specifications.
Technical Direction and Operations:
- Actively participates in the oversight of theatrical productions and performances from load-in through restoration of venue post event.
- Prepares and manages scenic and technical budgets in collaboration with the Director of Theater Operations and Production and other production staff.
- Develops build calendars, load-in schedules, and strike plans that align with academic and production timelines.
- Oversees the installation and dismantling of scenery in performance venues and maintains accurate records of materials and labor used for each production.
- Operates, maintains, and safeguards technical assets of the theater facilities, including stage machinery, rigging systems, shop equipment, and scenic storage areas.
Supervision and Education:
- Supervises student workers and over-hire crews.
- Assigns, organizes, and monitors daily workloads while mentoring students in safe, professional theatrical practices.
- Supports a learning-focused environment that balances production demands with student training and skill development.
- Coordinates with faculty, staff, and guest artists to ensure effective communication and alignment throughout the production process.
Safety, Maintenance and Documentation:
- Enforces all safety protocols related to scenic construction, rigging, and shop operations, ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations and industry standards.
- Maintains a clean, organized, and safe scene shop and work environment.
- Monitors the condition of all tools, machinery, hardware, and materials; coordinates repairs and replacements within approved budgets.
- Maintains inventory records for tools, equipment, lumber, hardware, and consumables.
- Ensures proper installation, operation, and maintenance of carpentry systems and shop equipment.
- Practices energy conservation and supports sustainable shop practices where possible.
Other Duties:
- Supports the educational mission of The Hartt School by fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment.
- Performs additional tasks as assigned by the Director of Theater Operations and Production.
Working Conditions
High noise environment.
Requires extensive safety training and/or protective devices.
Regular exposure to moving machinery and/or vehicles.
Works on slippery or uneven surfaces.
Works on elevated surfaces or below ground level. Stockroom or warehouse.
High dust, dirt, grease environment.
Works with poor ventilation or with regular exposure to odors.
Regular exposure to chemicals, solvents.
Works in darkness or with poor lighting.
Requires travel, excluding overnight stays.
Education
Bachelors Degree preferred.
Physical Effort
Requires repeated reaching by extending hand(s) and/or arm(s) in any direction.
Requires balancing to prevent falling or erratic movement.
Climbing ladders or scaffolds.
Requires feeling to perceive an object(s) size, shape, temperature or texture by means of senses in your skin. Intermittently sitting, standing, stooping.
Typically crawling and/or kneeling.
Typically pushing and/or pulling.
Requires handling by seizing, holding, grasping, or turning hands, but without finger dexterity.
Heavy lifting or carrying 51 lbs or more.
Using equipment requiring high dexterity.
Requires distinguishing colors and/or depth perception to judge distances.
Special Skills
The ability to work effectively with diverse groups. Knowledge of the performing arts that includes working vocabulary and familiarity with protocols and procedures in a performing arts theater. The ability to troubleshoot technological issues and present a solution quickly.
- Advanced knowledge of scenic construction, theatrical carpentry, and stagecraft.
- Strong woodworking and metalworking skills; proficiency with theatrical shop tools and machinery.
- Ability to read, interpret, and generate technical drawings; experience with CAD software (Vectorworks or AutoCAD preferred).
- Familiarity with rigging systems and stage machinery; basic working knowledge of lighting and sound systems is a plus.
- Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple productions simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities.
Posting Number: PS1191P
Open Until Filled: Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents
- Resume
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter
- Letter of Recommendation - Staff
- Statement on Inclusive Excellence and Belonging
Position Title: Technical Director / Scenic Carpenter
FLSA Classification: EX
Reports to: Director of Theater Operations and Production
Salary Range: F
Weeks Per Year: 52
Work Week: Monday - Friday with some nights and weekends
Position Summary
Responsible for coordinating, implementing, and overseeing all scenic and technical aspects of theatrical productions and performances across all divisions within The Hartt School. Plays a critical, hands-on role in scenic construction while supporting the artistic vision of designers and directors through high standards of craftsmanship, organization, and safety. Successfully executes these duties in direct support of student education, production excellence, and the operational needs of The Hartt School. Performs all duties in full support of the University’s mission, understanding that the positive effective execution of these duties is instrumental to the education of the University students.
Hiring Range: Budgeted Salary is $50,455 to $68,000 per year
Key Responsibilities
Production and Scenic Construction:
- Collaborates closely with designers, directors, scenic artists, and production staff to interpret design concepts and provide technical and artistic solutions using industry best practices.
- Interprets design drawings, specifications, and renderings to determine construction methods, materials, labor needs, and technical requirements.
- Constructs, installs, maintains, and repairs scenery for productions using woodworking, metalworking, and other theatrical construction techniques; assists with strikes.
- Applies scenic finishes, textures, and treatments as required to meet artistic intent.
- Attends production meetings, load-ins, technical rehearsals, and performances to address technical challenges and ensure successful execution of scenic elements.
- Ensures all scenic elements are structurally sound, safe for performers and technicians, and compliant with design specifications.
Technical Direction and Operations:
- Actively participates in the oversight of theatrical productions and performances from load-in through restoration of venue post event.
- Prepares and manages scenic and technical budgets in collaboration with the Director of Theater Operations and Production and other production staff.
- Develops build calendars, load-in schedules, and strike plans that align with academic and production timelines.
- Oversees the installation and dismantling of scenery in performance venues and maintains accurate records of materials and labor used for each production.
- Operates, maintains, and safeguards technical assets of the theater facilities, including stage machinery, rigging systems, shop equipment, and scenic storage areas.
Supervision and Education:
- Supervises student workers and over-hire crews.
- Assigns, organizes, and monitors daily workloads while mentoring students in safe, professional theatrical practices.
- Supports a learning-focused environment that balances production demands with student training and skill development.
- Coordinates with faculty, staff, and guest artists to ensure effective communication and alignment throughout the production process.
Safety, Maintenance and Documentation:
- Enforces all safety protocols related to scenic construction, rigging, and shop operations, ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations and industry standards.
- Maintains a clean, organized, and safe scene shop and work environment.
- Monitors the condition of all tools, machinery, hardware, and materials; coordinates repairs and replacements within approved budgets.
- Maintains inventory records for tools, equipment, lumber, hardware, and consumables.
- Ensures proper installation, operation, and maintenance of carpentry systems and shop equipment.
- Practices energy conservation and supports sustainable shop practices where possible.
Other Duties:
- Supports the educational mission of The Hartt School by fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment.
- Performs additional tasks as assigned by the Director of Theater Operations and Production.
Working Conditions
High noise environment.
Requires extensive safety training and/or protective devices.
Regular exposure to moving machinery and/or vehicles.
Works on slippery or uneven surfaces.
Works on elevated surfaces or below ground level. Stockroom or warehouse.
High dust, dirt, grease environment.
Works with poor ventilation or with regular exposure to odors.
Regular exposure to chemicals, solvents.
Works in darkness or with poor lighting.
Requires travel, excluding overnight stays.
Education
Bachelors Degree preferred.
Physical Effort
Requires repeated reaching by extending hand(s) and/or arm(s) in any direction.
Requires balancing to prevent falling or erratic movement.
Climbing ladders or scaffolds.
Requires feeling to perceive an object(s) size, shape, temperature or texture by means of senses in your skin. Intermittently sitting, standing, stooping.
Typically crawling and/or kneeling.
Typically pushing and/or pulling.
Requires handling by seizing, holding, grasping, or turning hands, but without finger dexterity.
Heavy lifting or carrying 51 lbs or more.
Using equipment requiring high dexterity.
Requires distinguishing colors and/or depth perception to judge distances.
Special Skills
The ability to work effectively with diverse groups. Knowledge of the performing arts that includes working vocabulary and familiarity with protocols and procedures in a performing arts theater. The ability to troubleshoot technological issues and present a solution quickly.
- Advanced knowledge of scenic construction, theatrical carpentry, and stagecraft.
- Strong woodworking and metalworking skills; proficiency with theatrical shop tools and machinery.
- Ability to read, interpret, and generate technical drawings; experience with CAD software (Vectorworks or AutoCAD preferred).
- Familiarity with rigging systems and stage machinery; basic working knowledge of lighting and sound systems is a plus.
- Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple productions simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities.
Posting Number: PS1191P
Open Until Filled: Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents
- Resume
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter
- Letter of Recommendation - Staff
- Statement on Inclusive Excellence and Belonging
See all 38+ OPT Technical Director Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Technical Director Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Technical Director
Target STEM-designated programs
Technical Director roles typically fall under STEM OPT when your degree is in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying to maximize your authorized work period.
Prioritize employers with H-1B history
Look for companies that consistently file H-1B petitions for technical leadership roles. Studios, tech firms, and engineering consultancies with established immigration programs are far more likely to sponsor you after your OPT period ends.
Frame your portfolio around technical ownership
Hiring managers for Technical Director roles want to see systems you built and teams you led. Quantify your impact with specifics: pipeline tools created, performance improvements achieved, or cross-functional projects you drove from start to completion.
Address OPT timing early in conversations
Bring up your authorization timeline during the second or third interview round, not at offer stage. Employers need time to assess whether they can accommodate your OPT end date and plan any subsequent visa sponsorship accordingly.
Distinguish yourself from senior engineers
Technical Director is a leadership title. Emphasize your ability to set technical direction, mentor engineers, and align engineering decisions with business goals. This positioning also signals higher value to employers considering long-term sponsorship investment.
Use Migrate Mate to find sponsorship-ready employers
Migrate Mate surfaces Technical Director openings at employers who actively sponsor F-1 OPT candidates. Filtering by visa sponsorship availability upfront saves significant time and targets applications where you have the strongest chance of long-term authorization.
Technical Director OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Technical Director on F-1 OPT?
Yes. If your degree is in a qualifying STEM field such as computer science, engineering, or information systems, you can work as a Technical Director on OPT for up to 36 months total: 12 months of standard OPT plus a 24-month STEM extension. Your job duties must be directly related to your degree field to remain compliant with OPT authorization requirements.
Does a Technical Director role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not just the job title. If you hold a STEM-designated degree and the Technical Director role involves work directly related to that field, such as leading engineering systems, software architecture, or technical infrastructure, it qualifies. Your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a formal training plan with your school before the extension is approved.
Do Technical Director employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?
Many do, particularly in gaming studios, visual effects companies, software firms, and engineering consultancies. Technical Director is a senior role that companies invest in retaining, which makes sponsorship more likely than for junior positions. Searching on Migrate Mate lets you filter for employers with active OPT sponsorship, helping you identify which companies are genuinely open to sponsoring technical leadership hires.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I change employers as a Technical Director?
You can change employers on OPT, but you must report the change to your DSO within 10 days and update your SEVIS record. Your new role still needs to be directly related to your degree. If you are on a STEM extension, your new employer must also be E-Verify enrolled and co-sign a revised training plan before you begin work at the new company.
What degree fields support OPT authorization for Technical Director roles?
Computer science, electrical engineering, software engineering, computer engineering, information technology, and digital media engineering are the most common qualifying fields. Degrees in production technology or interactive media may qualify depending on CIP code designation. Visual arts or film production degrees without a STEM designation typically support only 12 months of OPT, which is an important factor when evaluating long-term career planning in this role.